the stables with his men.”
“Did anyone see you there?”
“I do not think so.”
“Come.” She grasped his hand and pulled him toward the door. “We must inform Sir James straightaway.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
James draped the horses’ bridles over a nail where the tack was stowed at the rear of the stables. Ailish had been so happy to see her brother, he couldn’t bring himself to tell her it was time to part ways. The time had come for him to take Her Ladyship and Harris to a safe haven and return to his men. The first place that came to mind was Flanders in France but he had already wasted too much precious time. Unless Bishop Lamberton offered to escort the Maxwells across the channel.
And though his first choice was to head for Saint Andrews, there were many options—the isles seemed to be at relative peace. And Robert had sent his wife and daughter to the north which was also an option. However, traveling to Saint Andrews and gaining an audience with the bishop would be the swiftest.
Weary from hard riding and hungry, James thumped his saddle as he started to leave.
“Sir James!” Ailish rushed toward him with her wide-eyed brother in her wake. He would have preferred it if she’d come alone. He might steal a kiss. But on second thought, stealing kisses would only lead to more heartbreak when he told her it was time to go their separate ways. They both knew as long as the kingdom was in upheaval, they had no hope of marrying.
He stopped and propped his hands on his hips. “Is something amiss?”
“My oath, it is.” She tugged her brother beside her. “Harris tells me the English army kens the queen is at Kildrummy and they’re making plans to sack the castle and take not only Her Grace, but the Bruce’s daughter, Marjorie.”
James knelt to be eye-level with the lad. “Did Sir Henry tell you this?”
“I heard him speaking with his men.”
“Do you ken when they’re planning this raid?”
Harris shook his head. “But they did talk about waiting on the transport of a new siege engine called the Warwulf.”
“Will it be delivered to Lochmaben?” asked Ailish.
The lad shrugged. “I couldn’t hear all that well.”
James patted His Lordship’s shoulder. “You’ve been very helpful.” His prior thoughts forgotten, he rose and looked Ailish in the eyes. “We must inform the king at once. We’ll leave at first light.”
“To see His Grace?”
“Aye,” James gave a quick reply, not daring to admit he had just been trying to decide where to take her. But seeking out Robert would not only rightfully put the decision on where to place the Maxwells in the king’s hands, James would be able to deliver the news about the English invasion himself and discuss their strategy for keeping the queen safe.
“Should we not send a missive and await his reply?”
“It is no longer safe to remain here. Once Sir Henry’s men find he’s been slain, they will be champing at the bit for revenge. Our trail might be difficult to follow, but they’ll come. Mark me, sooner or later they will come.”
“Very well.” Ailish clasped her hands tightly. “Can we send someone to Lincluden to fetch Florrie and Coira? We’ve been apart so long, I’m certain they’re sick with worry.”
James shook his head. “I’m sorry, but it is a risk we cannot take. Lincluden has already been compromised. It is the first place they’ll look.”
“Then I ought to write a letter.”
“Absolutely not.” James waved his finger under her saucy nose. “I ken how important it is to be reunited with your sister but, presently, the best thing you can do for her and your maid is to remain at large. I mean it. Do not disobey me on this.”
“I wouldn’t think of—”
“Oh no? Like you didn’t think when you told the Carlisle guard you were with child. That may have not gone awry, but thinking you knew better and posing as a washerwoman greatly delayed our chances to find Harris. Worse, if we had failed to rescue you from the grips of the Lord Warden, you might very well be at the mercy of Edward’s whims.”
Ailish glared and crossed her arms. “This is what you think of me? Have you forgotten my arrows hit their marks at the border or the fact that I sat at your bedside for days on end?” She stamped her foot. “I’ll wager you cannot wait to be rid of me!”
She grabbed her brother’s hand. “Come, Harris, else we’ll be